The Management Board of Leifheit AG, with Supervisory Board approval, has resolved the objectives and key elements of the FOCUS performance program, a comprehensive restructuring initiative designed to sustainably improve profitability. The program includes position reductions, a new operating model, streamlined group structures, and targeted digitalization to reduce complexity, shorten decision-making, and lower the cost base. Annual cost savings of approximately EUR 7.5 million are expected from 2028 onward, with initial positive effects in 2027.
CEO Alexander Reindler stated, 'We are realigning the Leifheit Group to a structurally changed market environment. This requires short-term adjustments to our organization in order to be more successful in the long term. With FOCUS, we are making Leifheit simpler, faster, and more customer focused.' The organizational changes will involve a Group-wide reduction of up to 70 positions, implemented in stages with social responsibility. Leifheit currently employs about 960 people, roughly 360 in Germany.
Implementation costs are estimated at up to EUR 9.6 million, with approximately EUR 5.4 million impacting 2026 earnings. This comes as Leifheit reported preliminary H1 2026 turnover of EUR 116.3 million (down from EUR 123.4 million in H1 2025) and EBIT of EUR –2.7 million (versus EUR 2.0 million). Reindler noted that business development in Q2 fell short of expectations, making decisive action crucial. Growth initiatives continue, including innovations in core segments such as the Black Line expansion and the Pegasus Rock Solid standing dryer, alongside enhanced marketing with retail partners.
Consequently, Leifheit adjusted its full-year 2026 forecast. Group turnover is now expected slightly below 2025's EUR 236.2 million, versus prior expectations of slight growth. EBIT is forecast at EUR 0 million (previously at prior year's EUR 10.0 million), including special items. Excluding FOCUS effects, EBIT before special items is expected at EUR 5.4 million. Free cash flow is also forecast at EUR 0 million, down from EUR 6.4 million. The FOCUS program lays the foundation for sustainable profitability improvement.
Leifheit AG, founded in 1959, is a leading European brand supplier of household items, operating in Household, Wellbeing, and Private Label segments. Its brands include Leifheit and Soehnle, known for quality and utility. More information is available at www.leifheit-group.com, www.leifheit.de, and www.soehnle.de.
